Panicked parents have broken down crying after learning that toys on their children’s Christmas wish lists have already sold out because of the global shipping crisis.
Heightened demand from shoppers combined with an “unwelcome vortex of logistical challenges” means some product lines have sold out entirely, with no more stock expected until the New Year. Other popular items such as trampolines never arrived in the first place, retailers say.
Gary Grant, founder and executive chairman of The Entertainer toy shop chain has predicted that some of the retailer’s top sellers, including a Barbie DreamHouse playset and camper van, and some Paw Patrol and L.O.L. Surprise! products, will “definitely run out” sooner rather than later – but other firms have already had to turn parents away.
Le Toy Van, a Surrey-based firm specialising in handmade toys produced in the Far East, supplies retailers including Harrods and Selfridges, and also sells directly to consumers.
Founder Steve Le Van ordered in twice as much stock as normal to see him through Christmas but has completely sold out of a range of dolls houses and wooden train sets.
“I’ve had people already on the phone in tears wanting to buy a dolls house,” he said.
Demand is “extremely” high for October, he added.
“There is still stock coming…Some would have arrived for Christmas but it will be arriving after [because of delays],” he said.
It is a similar story for Paul Schaffer, managing director of Plum Play, a Lincolnshire firm selling equipment including climbing frames, swings, and trampolines.
One shipping container full of merchandise that was supposed to arrive in the UK last week will not get here until November, he said.
“There are certain varieties of trampolines that aren’t coming in, some swing sets aren’t with us yet. We have a good selection of scooters but not as many as expected.”
Asked whether he expected all his orders to arrive before Christmas, Mr Schaffer said: “I cannot possibly see that happening. Some items will come in far later.”
He added: “Everybody’s probably already written their Christmas lists. It’s going to be a very hard job [for parents] managing expectations or perhaps suggesting their children adjust those lists a little.”
The British Toy and Hobby Association, which represents manufacturers, said: “We understand people are concerned about shortages and it is a concern we share – we expect continued disruption to delivery schedules in varying degrees over the coming months.”
It added: “Toy manufacturers are working around the clock to face down this unwelcome vortex of logistical challenges to try to ensure their toys arrive and provide the range of choice consumers seek.”
There may be tears at the dinner table as well come 25 December. Turkeys are in shorter supply than normal because of labour shortages, increased costs and supply chain problems.
Rob Morton, owner of Morton’s Family Farm in North Norfolk, has Christmas orders coming in thick and fast – his order book is already up 250 per cent on this time last year.
“They’ll be less birds in supermarkets this year,” Mr Morton said.
“The supermarkets deal with the big processors, which have cut numbers back. If you expect to get a turkey it might not be there or it might be an imported bird.
“I’m not saying the supermarkets will be bare…You’ll probably end up with something but it might not be what you dreamt of.
BaxterStorey is one of the UK’s largest food catering groups, supplying restaurants, schools and workplace canteens. Andy Milner, the firm’s procurement and supply chain director, said all its suppliers have been affected by labour shortages.
“One supplier we use would [usually] have product availability at 99 per cent. Now their availability is at about 70 to 80 per cent.”
High consumer demand is compounding the problem, Mr Milner added.
“It’s fantastic [that demand is high] – but it would be better if you could have the product.”
Even when produce and goods are available, a shortage of packaging is hampering firms when it comes to distributing their stock.
James Kerslake, founder of luxury cocktail brand Tom Savano ordered nearly 40,000 glass bottles from Italy in May but has only received around 4,000.
“We struggle [with supplies] every week, from ingredients being out of stock with no estimated arrival date for replenishment, to having to wait 12 weeks just for cardboard boxes.”
A dearth of cardboard is affecting firms across the UK.
Mr Morton placed an order for cardboard boxes from the East Anglian paper mill he uses in July and was told they would not arrive until 10 December.
“The irony is, the business is there but people are being held up by packaging,” he said.
Mr Milner of BaxterStorey agreed: “Cardboard is a real challenge for a number of our suppliers…Board is a particular problem. Demand for that product [has been] redirected.”